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Factors Facilitating the Sustainable Implementation of Social Sports Programmes: A Multiple‐Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Liselot ter Harmsel-Nieuwenhuis

    (Professorship Human Movement, School and Sport, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands)

  • Dico de Jager

    (Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands)

  • Niels Hermens

    (Department of Health, Welfare and Sport, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands)

  • Kirsten Verkooijen

    (Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Participation in social sports programmes can benefit people in socially vulnerable positions. In this study, social sports programmes are defined as sports programmes which are designed with the specific aim to support these people. However, the continuity of social sports programmes appears problematic. This study aimed to identify factors that facilitate the sustainable implementation of social sports programmes in a local setting. For this purpose, an exploratory multiple‐case study was conducted in six cities in the Netherlands. In each city, a programme called Life Goals was implemented, offering a range of sports activities for people in a socially vulnerable position. Twenty stakeholders, including programme coordinators, social sports coaches, policy officers of the municipality, social workers, and managers of social work organisations participated in an individual interview using a timelining method. The results of these interviews were subsequently explored during a focus group discussion with seven coordinators, four of whom had also participated in an interview. Five themes facilitating the sustainable implementation of local social sports programmes were identified: (a) employment of the coordinator; (b) funding of the social sports programme; (c) adopting an evidence‐based method; (d) building and maintaining a partnership; and (e) sports‐minded stakeholders. In addition, two overarching themes emerged as a common thread across the five themes: broad commitment and the role of the coordinator. Practical tips for the sustainable implementation of social sports programmes are given, which can be used by professionals and managers in the social work and sports fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Liselot ter Harmsel-Nieuwenhuis & Dico de Jager & Niels Hermens & Kirsten Verkooijen, 2025. "Factors Facilitating the Sustainable Implementation of Social Sports Programmes: A Multiple‐Case Study," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:socinc:v13:y:2025:a:9270
    DOI: 10.17645/si.9270
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alarslan, Güven & de Jager, Dico & Super, Sabina & van Hilvoorde, Ivo & Koelen, Maria & Verkooijen, Kirsten, 2024. "What makes community sports programs successful? A group concept mapping study to identify effective elements," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    2. Marlene Rosager Lund Pedersen & Anne Faber Hansen & Karsten Elmose-Østerlund, 2021. "Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity and Sport across Social Backgrounds: Implications for Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-16, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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